Botanical description and therapeutic uses of Ashok (Saraca asoca).

Ashoka Tree is one of the most legendary and sacred trees  and holds an invaluable importance

1. Botanical description and therapeutic uses of Ashok ( Saraca asoca ) . Presented by Md. Sazzat Hossain Raihan ID: 19AFJJ-05M

2. Ashoka Tree  is one of the most legendary and sacred trees  and holds an invaluable importance. Ashoka tree produces a huge bunch of sweet smelling flowers all through the year and profuse flowering occurs from February to May.

3. Botanical name and family Botanical name –  Saraca asoca Family- Fabaceae

4. Habit Small trees, up to 5 m tall. Trunk & Bark Trunk often tubercled ; bark lenticellate , dark, shallowly fissured; blaze purplish. Branches and Branchlets Branchlets terete, glabrous.

5. Leaves Leaves compound,paripinnate,alternate . 7-30 cm long;petiolule 0.1-0.6 cm long;leaflets opposite .

6. Inflorescence / Flower Inflorescence dense corymbs; flowers orange, sometimes white; fragrant.

7. Fruit and Seed Pod, flat, oblong, to 15 x 4.5 cm, apiculate; seeds obovate- orbiculate .

8. MEDICINAL USE OF ASHOK PLANT Each part of the tree is of proven medicinal value and cures many disorders : The barks, seeds and flowers of the tree are helpful in preparing capsules and tonics to solve various gynecological problems of women . The bark is used to cure bacterial and fungal infections . Capsules and ointments prepared from Ashok tree can be used as a natural supplement of great benefit to treat irritations and burning sensation in the skin and complexion .

9. Dried flowers are used to cure diabetes. It adds ease for indigestion. The extracted juice from the flower is used to cure dysentery Medicine prepared from leaves, flowers and barks are used to cure diarrhea and purification of blood Powder from Ashok seed cures kidney stones. The ground seed is also used as a memory enhancer. The paste of the seed is used for urine retention